DictionaryRoot: burre
Middle English
burre
a prickly seed case
Forms
- burre
- bur — One modern spelling.
- burr — An alternative modern spelling.
Origin
A Middle English plant-word, probably from an older Germanic source; its exact ancestry is uncertain.
Note
The clinging or rough surface supplied names for rough projections and cutting tools.
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noun
burr
A prickly seed case that clings to clothing or fur.
Etymology
The Middle English word already names the prickly seed case. Its catching surface is central to the familiar use, as the case grips passing fur or cloth.